Monthly Archives: July 2011

Why does (or should) an operating procedure exist? The one and only reason I have identified is to facilitate learning of an activity. Consider the following scenario: Joe is a new worker, and he is paired with Sheila, an experienced … Continue reading →

The emphasis on a procedure should be how an activity is performed. Period. This assertion is based on years of procedure-writing experience and wrestling with why a procedure exists and what an organization desires to gain from a procedure. In over … Continue reading →

In the last post, I presented the following “procedure:”  1. The receiving department receives the raw materials, checks for accuracy and then places the materials on shelves to be available for production. 2. The production clerk receives the work order, … Continue reading →

2. Operating Procedures I have laid out what would pass for a “procedure” in many organizations. Take a look at it and decide, “does it function as a procedure?” 1. The receiving department receives the raw materials, checks for accuracy … Continue reading →

Policies: 1st level of documents In the documentation pyramid (as I drew it; see the link in the last post), policies are the foundation–the bottom layer. Policies are commonly referred to as “Tier 1” documents (though such terminology does not … Continue reading →